Trauma Healing and Psychosocial Work Page

In addition to the visible destruction of war and violence, there is also considerable invisible damage to people who have survived. In Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, Catholic Relief Services has helped develop and support psychosocial work on trauma awareness and response through training and education. These programs often complement the other development work that CRS is doing in these communities.

In Liberia, CRS supported an innovative project that focused on the effects of war and violence on women, such as rape, physical violence and widows as single heads of households. Trauma healing workshops that involved traditional midwives and local stories, songs and folktales helped women discuss the impact of violence and develop strategies to reduce future violence and rebuild trust in Liberia.